Chris Hogan returns to Patriots practice

Wednesday

The Patriots wide receiver participated in his first practice on Wednesday after suffering a shoulder injury against the Chargers on Oct. 29.

Hogan’s return was a welcome sight after Rob Gronkowski was suspended for Monday night's game against the Dolphins for a late hit in Sunday's win over the Bills.

“Yeah, today was like the first day of school for me, getting back out there on the field,” Hogan said. “I was excited to be out there. The competitor in you wants to be back no matter what. For me, it’s day-by-day, just trying to get better and hopefully I can put myself in position where I can be back on the field with these guys.”

Without Hogan, who had a reported AC joint sprain, the Patriots were in a bind. They barely had enough receivers and mainly played with three — Brandin Cooks, Danny Amendola and Phillip Dorsett.

“I think that is what's great about this team. Guys are willing and able to step up and make a lot of plays,” Hogan said. “You can go down the list of guys who have been able to step up in the last couple of weeks and make a lot of plays and help this team get some really good wins.”

If Hogan can suit up against Miami, Tom Brady would certainly be happy. With Gronkowski out, the offense needs all the help it can get. The last time Gronk missed a game, against Tampa Bay, Hogan caught eight passes for 74 yards and Brady’s lone touchdown pass.

“We have a lot of guys in this locker room that are more than capable of making a lot of plays,” Hogan said. “Obviously Gronk is a big part of our offense, but guys will step up.”

For Hogan, the past four weeks have been difficult. He spent time getting treatment on his shoulder, staying on top of his conditioning, taking part in team meetings and watching game film.

Hogan has 33 catches for 438 yards and five touchdowns. The five touchdowns were tied for sixth in the NFL at the time of his injury. Last season, Hogan set a career high in receiving yards (680). After eight games this season he was on pace for 876 yards.

“Yeah, it is one of those things. You’ve got to kind of accept that it happened,” Hogan said. “It’s football. Things are going to happen. Just trying to get better every single day. Just trying to stay on top of my conditioning and just make sure I didn’t lose anything coming back.”

Hogan might not be guaranteed to play against Miami, but the fact that he returned to practice (and spoke with the media) is a sign that he’s getting close. He said he felt good.

“It was good. Focused on what’s ahead and just trying to prepare myself for Miami Monday night,” he said. "Just being out there with the guys. They’ve been playing really well. It’s been fun to watch, but it’s more fun to be out there with them.”

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The Patriots' rematch with the Buffalo Bills is in two weeks and already shots have been fired in Rob Gronkowski’s direction.

According to former NFL safety Ryan Clark, the Bills are looking for revenge after Gronkowski hit Tre’Davious White in the back of the helmet on Sunday. The shot earned Gronk a one-game suspension and placed the Bills cornerback in the concussion protocol.

When asked what that meant, Clark responded, “They want to put them hands on him.”

The Patriots will play the Bills on Christmas Eve at Gillette Stadium. If there were any fights, it wouldn’t be the first time it has happened between the teams. On Sunday, Danny Amendola and Bills safety Micah Hyde fought during the Gronkowski personal foul on White.

Last year, in Week 4, former Patriots backup Jacoby Brissett was shoved pregame by former Bills safety Robert Blanton. Blanton also shoved and head-butted Malcolm Mitchell. During the melee, former Bills safety Aaron Williams shoved Patriots defensive line coach Brendan Daly. The following week, three Bills players were fined for the altercation — Blanton ($21,000), Nickell Robey-Coleman ($10,000) and Williams (undisclosed).

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The Patriots have brought back a familiar face to help with their lack of depth at linebacker.

On Wednesday, the Pats signed veteran Jonathan Freeny. The linebacker spent the past two seasons with the Patriots before being released in September. The Patriots don’t need to make a corresponding roster move since they have an open roster spot with Gronkowski serving a one-game suspension.

“It feels good to be back," Freeny said. "It’s a great team and I just plan to come in here and take it day by day, just try to learn as much as I possibly can and get back in the groove of things. It feels great to see all the guys.”

With injuries to Kyle Van Noy (calf) and Trevor Reilly (concussion), the Patriots are low on linebackers. Add in the season-ending injury to Dont’a Hightower and the group could certainly use some more help. Freeny will be added to the depth chart that also includes Elandon Roberts, David Harris, Marquis Flowers and Nicholas Grigsby.

In 2015, Freeny contributed on defense and special teams. He started a career-best seven games and finished with a career-high 50 tackles. In 2016, Freeny started four of the Patriots' first five games, but a shoulder injury ended his season early. He spent time in Baltimore and Jacksonville this season. He played in three games with the Ravens, making two tackles.

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